1887
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Morphine Addicts (Morphinomanes) is a 1887 ink by Paul-Albert Besnard, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows two people lying down, their faces turned toward each other. One looks awake, staring straight ahead, while the other seems lost in thought or pain. Their bodies are wrapped in loose, flowing clothes, and the background is dark and swirling, like smoke or a dream. The artist used quick, rough lines to show their exhaustion or sickness. The title hints this might be about addiction, but the faces stay quiet and real. Next, look up etching to see how artists carve into metal plates to make prints like this.
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849–1934) was a French artist, born in 7th arrondissement of Paris.
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
